Representing the 2nd District of Alabama

Roby Hosts Armed Services Committee Leader at Fort Rucker

December 16, 2013

Press Release

U.S. Representative Martha Roby (R-AL) will host the Chairman of the House Armed Services Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee, Rep. Michael Turner (R-OH), for a visit to the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence at Fort Rucker on Tuesday, December 17.

The visit will include a panel discussion on the future of Army aviation and the ongoing impact of budget cuts known as sequestration. Following the panel, Rep. Roby will accompany Chairman Turner on a tour of the post and meetings with other Fort Rucker officials.

"I look forward to visiting Fort Rucker and discussing the future of Army Aviation," Rep. Turner said. "I appreciate Martha hosting this panel discussion and the post leadership at Fort Rucker for having us."

"I'm grateful to Chairman Turner for taking time out of his busy schedule to come visit Fort Rucker," Rep. Roby said. "While recent developments make the budget outlook more promising, the impact of sequestration is still very real. Tuesday we'll have an opportunity to discuss what lies ahead for Army aviation, and there's no better place for that discussion than Fort Rucker. I look for opportunities to share with my fellow Members of Congress the value Fort Rucker adds to the U.S. Armed Forces. This visit will offer Chairman Turner a chance to meet post and community leaders and gain first-hand knowledge of the unique mission at Fort Rucker."

The panel will include:
• Major General Kevin Mangum, Commander, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence,
• Major General William Crosby, Program Executive Officer, PEO-Aviation,
• Colonel Frank Tate, Director of Aviation, Office of the Deputy COS, G8,
• Colonel John Lindsay, Director of Army Aviation, Office of the Deputy COS, G3.

The Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces conducts oversight of ammunition programs, Army and Air Force acquisition programs, Navy and Marine Corps aviation programs, as well as National Guard and Army and Air Force National Guard and Reserve. The subcommittee also authorizes procurement and research and development programs to ensure that America’s soldiers and airmen are fully equipped to carry out their mission.